Negotiations with Ostland
First, I use teleportation magic to move to the Academy’s dormitory in Ostland. I sent Alicia to request an audience with the King, and permission was granted immediately. Normally, it takes days for approval and, at worst, months before an audience can be arranged.
"It seems they made a quick decision for a meeting with you, Princess. Rather, they said making you wait would be rude."
"Why?"
"Because they pretty much owe their survival to you."
I see. So they feel indebted.
The next day, I went up to the royal castle and met with the King.
It's already the time of year when snow begins to fall. I dislike the cold, but having to wear a dress is even more of a hassle. Still, since this is another country, I have no choice.
"Ugh... Princess, you look wonderful."
"Why are you crying?"
"Because you rarely dress like this. You look very much like a princess—it suits you. I wish you would dress like this more often."
It's hard to move in and cold, so I absolutely refuse.
For now, I traveled to the royal castle by carriage, where the entire Knights Order welcomed me. They were lined up along the road leading to the castle. Even inside, despite it being called an audience, the meeting took place in the King’s office. The knights lined up all the way there, ensuring that no one else could approach.
I discreetly asked Alicia, and she told me it's to guard against suspicious individuals and to prevent that perverted prince from getting close.
"Welcome, and thank you for coming."
"It’s been a while. I’m here today regarding Ostland's persistent problem—monsters."
The royal castle appeared to have undergone significant repairs and looked much better. With the King’s permission, I took a seat.
"Monsters, huh? It’s true that their numbers have increased due to the Stampede. However, it’s not to the extent that we need to request help from another country."
"I’d like to send the adventurer Hollow to conduct a monster hunt. If we operate within Arland, sharp-eyed individuals might notice and cause problems."
The King knows the true identity of the adventurer Hollow. Originally, I registered as an adventurer for combat training. However, I’ve been too busy to engage in any activities since.
"I have no objections, but if anything happens..."
The King is in a position where he can’t afford for anything to happen to me. Previously, he could have feigned ignorance, and I had no influence over Ostland. But now, the citizens might cause an uproar.
"Hollow is an adventurer unaffiliated with any country, so there should be no issue. The monster materials, except for magic gems, will be sold to Ostland. I have no use for them.
Also, since it seems you are troubled by the dungeons, why not charge a land fee? The dungeons will remain dormant for a while."
"Land fee!? That’s too dangerous. Ten years ago, we sent in the Knights Order, and none returned. Those dungeons are far too perilous."
So they were wiped out. Well, Ostland doesn’t prioritize military strength, so it can’t be helped. I should be fine. If things go south, I can teleport out. Teleportation works inside dungeons except in certain rooms, so there’s no problem. In fact, if monsters gather, the profits will increase. It’s also a great opportunity to collect magic gems.
"I can teleport, so I can escape if it gets dangerous."
"Still..."
"Ostland can temporarily deactivate the dungeons until its military strength improves. I can make a profit. It’s a good deal. If you leave things as they are, another Stampede is inevitable.
Unless you can simultaneously manage both the monsters in the wild and the dungeons, that is."
"Ugh... You have a point. We certainly can't manage it all... Fine. However, one thing to discuss—"
"How about 20% of the land fee?"
"I’d prefer 30%."
"By the way, I heard a certain Viceroy Merchant Union has been selling storage bags at a bargain price lately."
"That’s your union, isn’t it? I’ve already been informed... Can’t you sell us a bit more?"
Magic tools really do come in handy.
"Sure. Though I leave the management to my subordinates, I’ll pass the word along. If you transport them on the airship when you buy one, you can save on shipping costs."
Traveling by carriage carries risks from monsters and bandits, and it takes time. Transporting the goods when retrieving the airship is the most efficient method. Unlike Arland, the supply is limited, so for a while, they’ll likely be sold exclusively to nobles and major merchant groups.
"You leave no room for negotiation... Fine, 20% it is. As for the dungeon rules..."
Not just anyone can enter dungeons. Only adventurers ranked B or higher, or government-affiliated individuals—mostly knights—are permitted. The former restriction exists because weak adventurers would get surrounded and slaughtered in the dungeon’s tight corridors. The latter is due to the dungeon being state property.
Although it’s a living dungeon that disappears when conquered, this time, it’s just being charged a land fee. It will only go dormant for a few to several decades, so approval is easily granted. An unmanaged dungeon is an extreme nuisance.
"I know. I’ll take this opportunity to clean up the area around Ostland’s royal capital and raise my rank."
Monster hunting contributes significantly to an adventurer’s ranking. Since school won’t resume until spring, I’ll focus on adventuring until then.
My job? I leave that to my subordinates and the Prime Minister. I just need to occasionally return and sign important documents. Father and Big brother, on the other hand, were practically imprisoned in the royal castle due to their increased workload. I doubt any other country besides Arland has subordinates who chain their royals to chairs.
"You’re quite reliable. However, please be careful not to reveal your identity while in Ostland. It would be troublesome for us to cover it up.
This time, ignorance won’t be an excuse—our citizens wouldn’t accept it. You are considered Ostland’s benefactor, after all."
I don’t need them to feel indebted. I didn’t do it for the country or to help suffering people. I just helped a friend. The monsters were merely driven away, and those that were displaced settled near other towns and villages, causing secondary disasters.
I never expected this much gratitude. And while I was unconscious, some weird rumor started about me being a saint, making things even more complicated.
After some additional negotiations—mainly about the Viceroy Merchant Union and other goods—I secured permission to operate within the Kingdom and returned to the dormitory. Then, I teleported to a nearby inn.
This way, people would assume I’m no longer in Ostland. I teleported from my dorm room’s window to an unpopulated area. Since I can teleport anywhere in my line of sight, I don’t need to mark locations.
"Problem solved."
"Your negotiation tactics remain as merciless as ever, Princess."
I only make deals where both sides benefit. If both parties profit, there’s no reason for complaints. Negotiations where one side is dissatisfied only drag on.
This time, Ostland gets money and storage bags just by keeping quiet, and the risk of another Stampede decreases. Unlike Arland, which borders the Monster Forest, Ostland can prevent Stampedes by regularly managing monster territories and living dungeons. It’s not foolproof, but it helps.
Ostland will use this chance to strengthen its military and recover its weakened national power. They’ve already begun increasing production of their specialty goods for trade with the Central Alliance.
"My rank is still D, so I’ll hunt monsters for a while."
"Are you planning to exterminate them all?"
"Would anyone complain? Besides, Father told me to get some exercise."
"I don’t think this is the kind of exercise he meant..."
Well, I’ve been busy with research, governance, and merchant business. My parents probably just want me to act more like a child.
But they should place those expectations on the new addition to the family.
Big Sis is going to make Arland even richer before you’re born!
What do you think about this chapter?
